Course self-correcting projectile

Abstract

A new fuze that reduces projectile miss-distance to a target, by correcting for discrepancies in anticipated round velocities through its flight. As a result, the fuze-equipped projectile is nominally aimed at a target and maintains improved accuracy relative to a conventional round. The fuze adjusts for the discrepancies in velocity by using an internal electric motor to mechanically actuate a drag-altering surface on the fuze body. In order to adjust for errors in the anticipated velocity, the fuze compares its preprogrammed velocity to its actual velocity at a given point in time during flight. An anticipated velocity table versus time in flight is constantly referenced so that appropriate adjustments in velocity can be made.

Description

GOVERNMENTAL INTEREST[0001]The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by, or for the Government of the United States for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to the field of munitions such as explosive projectiles. Particularly, the present invention relates to a projectile that is capable of self-correcting its course toward an intended target, during flight.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Traditional long range artillery munitions have been a mainstay of warfare over the centuries. Much effort has been spent attempting to improve upon the accuracy of the projectiles. With the development of semiconductors and the integrated circuits, it has become possible to install embedded controllers to measure in-flight dynamics and to correct for inaccuracies and disturbances as integral components of the artillery rounds.[0004]In terms of accuracy, the dispersion pattern of im...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention introduces a new fuze for projectiles that reduces the distance between the projectile and the target by correcting for expected speed discrepancies during flight. This results in improved accuracy relative to conventional rounds. The correction is achieved through a least squares solution that removes errors from the acceleration methods, allowing the fuze to adjust for velocity during the flight and guide the vehicle to its intended target with higher precision.

Problems solved by technology

The resulting increase and decrease in drag, affects the velocity profile of the projectile in flight, thus affecting its point of impact as it pertains to the distance from launch.

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